From England then he goes away55
To end his life [beyond] the sea.
He could not live to see his name
Impaired by my wanton shame;
Altho' a prince of peerless might
Did reap the pleasure of his right.60
Long time I lived in the court,
With lords and ladies of great sort;
And when I smil'd, all men were glad,
But when I mourn'd, my prince grew sad.
But yet an honest mind I bore65
To helpless people, that were poor;
I still redress'd the orphan's cry,
And sav'd their lives condemn'd to dye.
I still had ruth on widows tears,
I succour'd babes of tender years;70
And never look'd for other gain
But love and thanks, for all my pain.
At last my royal king did dye,
And then my days of woe grew nigh;
When crook-back'd Richard got the crown,75
King Edward's friends were soon put down.
I then was punish'd for my sin,
That I so long had lived in;
Yea, every one that was his friend,
This tyrant brought to shameful end.80
Then for my [lewd] and wanton life,
That made a strumpet of a wife,
I penance did in Lombard-street,
In shameful manner in a sheet:
Where many thousands did me view,85
Who late in court my credit knew;
Which made the tears run down my face,
To think upon my foul disgrace.